BBM REIGN STARTS AS CITY HOST POSH

ccfcinsider
Aug 1
3 min read

Cardiff City open their League One campaign against Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff City Head Coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Opposition:

Despite having on paper one of the stronger sides on paper last season, Peterborough United underwhelmed finishing 18th in the 24/25 season.

Posh have had to deal with a mass exodus this summer with Ricky-Jade Jones, Hector Kyprianou, Kwame Poku, Mallik Mothersille, Jed Steer and Emmanuel Fernandez among those key players who have departed. Darren Ferguson has added forward Declan Frith from Swiss side FC Thun, Brandon Khela from Birmingham City, Sam Hughes from Stockport County, Alex Bass from Notts County, David Okagube from Walsall, Vincente Reyes from Norwich, Klaidi Lolos from Bolton and exciting young winger Kyrell Lisbie from Braintree Town.

Ferguson is known for his adaptable and attack-minded tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and direct forward play. His teams are typically well-organized, with an emphasis on pace out wide and fluid movement in the final third. Ferguson encourages creativity and forward-thinking in midfield while maintaining a solid defensive structure. His sides often play with intensity and confidence, looking to dominate possession when possible but also comfortable hitting teams on the break.

The Bluebirds:

City come into this one on the back of a fairly successful pre-season under new boss Brian Barry-Murphy. The change is style and intensity has been obvious, it's now time to put that to the test in league action. The Bluebirds are yet to add a new signing this summer.

Cardiff will be aggressive and be looking to make a mark in this one. Therefore it's fair to expect a front-footed and relentless start from City. Cardiff will have to shore up the defence which proved a huge issue last season.

Opposition Player To Watch:

Midfielder Archie Collins is the real shining light in the heart of The Posh team. Collins made his way through the Exeter City before joining Peterborough United in the summer of 2023. The 25 year-old has been a key player since his move and is likely to play an integral role again this season.

Collins is a dynamic central midfielder known for his composure on the ball and excellent passing range. He excels at linking defense and attack with intelligent movement and distribution. Collins also contributes defensively with strong positioning and work rate.

Last Meeting:

Cardiff City 4-0 Peterborough United (2022)

Last time these two sides met The Bluebirds made easy work of Posh. Joe Ralls opened the scoring after four minutes, before Aden Flint added a second just before half-time. Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu added to the scoring in the second half to confirm a convincing win for Steve Morison's men.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Isaak Davies fit and available for City. Calum Chambers suspended for The Bluebirds.

Peterborough United - Alex Bass and Will Blackmore absent for the visitors.

Preferred XI:

GK - Ethan Horvath

RB - Ronan Kpakio

RCB - Dylan Lawlor

LCB - Will Fish

LB - Joel Bagan

CDM - Eli King

RCM - Rubin Colwill

LCM - David Turnbull